The program includes evidence-based guidelines for determining whether surgery is clinically appropriate for patients with specific conditions and disorders. It also offers ways to protect patients from potential complication and infections.
One of the focuses of the program is lumbar spinal fusions, citing studies that associate the procedure with less likelihood of returning to work within two years and an increased rate of disability and narcotic use. According to the report, payors are spending $18.8 billion per year on lumbar spinal fusions to treat low back pain.
“By determining whether spinal fusion is necessary and directing patients to the most appropriate physicians and facilities, our program helps improve health outcomes while reducing unnecessary costs by an estimated 20 percent,” said Gregg Allen, MD, chief medical officer of MedSolutions.
Read the release from MedSolutions.
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Spinal Fusion’s Place in the Future: 9 Points on Fusion Efficacy and Coverage
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